[2] The site is operated and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and includes an improved campground as well as an informative walking trail showcasing the petroglyphs.

The outcrop is in the form of an east to west orientated oval about 400' long, and about 20' tall with two small knob tops.

Juan Bautista de Anza passed near here during his 1775-1776 expedition, followed by the Mormon Battalion in the 1840s, the Butterfield Overland Mail, and countless numbers of pioneers.

During World War II, General George Patton used this area as headquarters for tank training.

[7] If tourism increases, there are concerns that the current management practices will not be enough to continue protecting Painted Rock.

It is suspected that the presence of calcium carbonate at the base of some rocks is caused by erosion from foot traffic in the site.

[9] One of the reasons for wanting to turn the area into a national monument is researchers' desire to fully survey and inventory the region.

[7] The cliff side of the Great Bend provides natural protection to its petroglyphs because of its stable, basaltic composition.

The site is currently classified as an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern" indicating that more protection needs to be established in order for the petroglyphs to be properly maintained.